Glycolic acid, also known as the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) which is derived from sugar cane, beet root, etc. has been widely used as an exfoliating agent in the removal of dead skin cells and regeneration of new fresh cells. Apart from working as an exfoliating agent, it has the added advantage of functioning as a natural moisturizer and because of this, it can provide a youthful glow to an otherwise lifeless skin. Among cosmetic preparations that are popular among users the world over, Glycolic acid peels and Glycolic day and night creams are usually much in demand. In the present context, we shall be discussing about the GA cream only.
Before getting into the details of the glycolic acid cream, it may be prudent to find out the secret behind this organic acid’s ability to transform the old jaded sun burnt skin into lively youthful skin, and that too in a matter of a few days. The fact is, tiny skin cells in our body are perpetually regenerating – dead cells are being replaced by new cells all the while – at least theoretically. However, in actual reality, the picture is somewhat different. Atmospheric dust, dirt and sundry elements work as some kind of glue and they prevent the elimination of unwanted dead cells in the skin. And because of this, they eventually pile up, presenting a dull lifeless epidermis (the top skin). No amount of soap or other detergents have the power to release this heap of dead or dying skin cells.
Glycolic acid, when applied to the skin in the form of a peel immediately burns or dissolves the topmost layer of the skin, thus revealing the fresh skin lurking underneath. But in the harrowing process, a wound is created that takes time to heal. The situation nevertheless, becomes a different cup of tea when the same glycolic acid is applied to the skin in a soothing cream base. Here the effect is not instantaneous like the peel, but the biggest advantage comes from the fact that no wound is created. Besides, most GA creams are fortified with vitamins, minerals and moisturizers that act as supplements in generating a lovely youthful skin. It is thus no wonder that they have become so popular in recent years. Most of the creams contain GA in a diluted form so that they do not create any skin irritation when applied. Applied over a period of time, the acid slowly penetrates the skin, releasing the dead skin cells and replacing them with newer cells. Some of the more reputed manufacturers come out with graded GA creams that have a different acid strength like Grade-I that has 10% glycolic acid, Grade-II containing 15% glycolic acid, Grade-III that has 20% GA and so on.
The matter will be quite clear if we take a quick look at some of the popular brands of glycolic acid creams that are described below.
* Glycolic Cream, a higher potency glycolic (10%) offers quicker exfoliation and vitalizing action as well. Plus, there are excellent texturizing benefits for aging or for the sun damaged skin, as well as for those having a blemished skin. This formula features a unique and advanced type of glycolic acid polymer strands that is similar to the skin’s own polymer structure instead of random glycolic molecules – in a natural no mineral oil base. However do keep in mind that because of the higher percentage of glycolic acid, this cream may cause a stinging action. So, use it only if your skin has been using the 5% Glycolic cream and fails to offer a favorable effect.
* A solution for normal to oily skin or anything in between. The fragrance free exfoliating cream that is formulated with glycolic acid in an Amphoteric System™, offering a patented controlled release technology shows the release of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid can irritate when it penetrates rapidly into the skin. By controlling the release of the glycolic acid, the skin can tolerate a higher concentration, and this leads to faster exfoliation. This helps slough off dead cells on the surface of the skin, revealing a fresher, younger-looking complexion. Regular use helps refine the pores and reduces the appearance of fine lines, and when this happens, the skin becomes smoother and more radiant.
Several companies also offer glycolic acid night creams that work uninterrupted for several hours, producing even better result and they have very little or no side effects too. Glycolic acid creams are often sold in the market branded as anti-aging creams that are supposed to eliminate tell-tale wrinkles and “crow’s feet” from under the eyes and are treated as beauty aides by many. Compared to other AHA based creams, glycolic acid based creams are usually more popular among beauty conscious women and even among some men too.